Sixteen years ago, this past week, the unthinkable happened. The power went out, plunging Ontario and several northern and eastern states into total darkness, some for just a few hours, and others for a few days. Ten million Canadians and 40 million Americans were affected.
The Independent recently posted a “do you remember” photo on its facebook page, and watched the impressions and the comments rise steadily as our followers recounted where they were and what they were doing.
Surprisingly, and thankfully, our minds didn’t go to the dark place of destruction and terrorism. In my hometown, after checking on children and grandparents, our street turned into a barbecue spot. Kids played in the backyard pool while we grilled all the meat in our freezer. Neighbours gathered outside, re-connected and enjoyed the “break” in what likely would have been just one more hectic day.
We also checked in to our Independent archive to see what was happening in this community. In the municipality, the outage was short-lived, lasting less than four hours, and described as more of an inconvenience than a major disruption. Areas surrounding Kincardine had power restored at about the same time, then lost it again until Friday.
Ernie Eves, premier at the time, made the trip to Bruce Power the following Saturday to personally thank the management team and staff for a job well done. All the training (the type you hope you never need to use), had propelled workers into action.
I especially liked the advice that was offered by councillor Sandy Donald, who at that time was chair of the emergency services committee. He said residents should look after their neighbours, use telephone and emergency numbers only in case of emergency, have a battery-operated radio on hand, help when asked and the best advice of all: stay safe and stable and if you’re at home, stay there, sit back and relax and take time to look around and realize what is actually important.
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The Independent received this notice from the Kincardine Hospital Foundation this past week. It’s a good reminder for all of us to use caution when approached by door-to-door solicitors. You should feel free to ask for identification, expect a tax receipt and don’t be rushed into handing over cash.
The Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation (Hospital Foundation) does not solicit donations door to door, nor do we have any door to door campaigns. Should you be approached by someone who is soliciting donations at your door for your local hospital, or the Kincardine and Community Healthcare Foundation, you are asked to contact the police. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Foundation Coordinator at 519-396-3331 ext. 4342.